SHA senior Joe Methner has averaged 16 points per game so far this season and is a tough match-up on the block. (Sun Photo by SKIP TRAYNOR)

It’s a rarity, but it’s also a reality that bodes well for Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart Academy and probably won’t bode too well for its opponents.

Heading into the 2017-18 campaign the SHA boys basketball team features three players who stand in at 6-foot-3 or taller in seniors Joe Methner (6-4), Colton Hyble (6-5) and junior Colten Nelson (6-3). For a small Class D school like SHA having this kind of size isn’t the norm, rather it’s a luxury that the Irish are hoping to cash in on come next March.

The last time the Irish had this kind of size was in 2013-14 when they had Kevin Gamble (6-8) and Brooks Hyble (6-7) in the middle and in that instance they advanced to the Class D quarterfinals.

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“We’re not quite as big as that year, but we’re more athletic,” said SHA head coach Pat Theisen, who led the Irish to a district title and record of 14-10 in 2016-17. “It’s kind of a building process right now. We have some experience back, but not a lot. If you look at our roster we look a little older than we really are.”

On paper the Irish feature two of the best pure scorers in mid-Michigan in Nelson and Methner.

One year ago, Nelson, a second-team All-Stater, averaged 21 points, three rebounds and two steals while shooting 43-percent from downtown. He’s gone for 21, 34 and 25 points in Sacred Heart’s three games this season and is a match-up nightmare in that he can hit the three or get to the basket at the point. Methner, a lefty who earned honorable mention All-State honors last season, averaged 16 points, six boards and two assists as a junior and is a tough match-up on the block. Add in Hyble, a center with a linebacker build, and the Irish have a ton of height down low.

“Nelson runs the show and his ability to get everyone involved will be key for us,” said Theisen of his point guard. “He’s a great shooter who can get to the basket and create.”

Juniors Noah Krepostman, Brendan Zeien, Rory Scully and Jacob Fritz will also see some playing time as will seniors Lance MacDonald and Josh Lobsinger. Come January the Irish will also add junior Cross DeLau and freshman Zach Wentworth. DeLau can play numerous positions while Wentworth will play guard.

Defensively Zeien and Wentworth are both exceptional which only further adds to the myriad of talents SHA brings to the table this season.

“The biggest thing for us is learning to play together as a team,” said Theisen. “We’ve got all the talent to be a good team, but we have to play as a team.”

About the Author

Jim Lahde has been with The Morning Sun sports department since 1997 and has been its Sports Editor since 2006. The Wixom native has covered everything from Little League to the big leagues. Reach the author at jlahde@michigannewspapers.com
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